Juffa imposes guidelines

By LESLIE OMARO
NORTHERN Governor Gary Juffa is imposing strict guidelines for foreign-owned businesses in the province.
Juffa said no business would be allowed to operate in the province without the consent of the provincial cabinet.
He said Northern would only accommodate legitimate businesses that had been certified in complying with employment and migration laws before they operate in the province.
“I do not care what permits or licences Waigani gives out and if the company is not compliant with our laws, they will not be allowed to do business in my province,” he said.
“For too long Waigani bureaucrats have negligently issued all types of licences and permits without checking if the companies are actually compliant.
“You can do business in NCD or Waigani or elsewhere but if you are disrespectful to our laws and our people, you are not welcome in Northern.
“We welcome genuine investors, people who care and respect us, who pay their taxes and who abide by the laws of the land.”  
Juffa said he would not allow the province to be a haven for those who flaunted the country’s laws.
“All investors and businesses in Northern will have to be approved by the provincial executive council and my office, otherwise they are not welcome,” he said.
He said fishing, logging, exploration and mining companies were no exceptions and would need authorisation before doing any business there.
Juffa said he would be establishing an inspectorate to review all businesses in Northern to determine whether or not they were abiding by the laws.
He said if they were not abiding by the laws, they would be asked to change or leave.
Juffa struck back at the Chinese Embassy and the China PNG Friendship Association for complaining about raids conducted by Customs and police.
He said the companies complaining had a lot to answer on illegal logging, firearms and illegal presence of expatriates who could not speak English.
“In China, we would respect the laws, and in PNG, we expect the same courtesy.
“The companies can lodge their complaints with my office and provide evidence.
“They can explain their illegal activities in Northern and explain the firearms and illegal logging and breach of migration and labour laws.
“I would like the labour department to explain what they are doing in Northern since there are many foreigners working here illegally. The message is very simple, you comply or you get out.”